Islamabad :Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said that Pakistan and Afghanistan should work together to get rid of terrorism, underlining that the talks between Afghan government and Taliban is a positive signal for the peace process.
He was talking to Speaker Wolesi Jirga of Afghanistan Abdul Raouf Ibrahimi who called on him in Islamabad here.
“Pakistan believes that terrorism is a common enemy and Pakistan and Afghanistan need to work together to rid the two countries of this menace,” Sharif said.
Sharif expressed hope that Pakistan’s engagement in sincere and consistent efforts for promoting peace and reconciliation through an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace process would bring lasting peace in Afghanistan.
The Quadrilateral Coordination Group has been making good progress in right direction, he said.
Sharif said that the decision to hold talks next week between Afghan government and Taliban is a “positive signal for the peace process”.
He said that Afghanistan must have an environment where Afghan migrants return back to their country with respect, honor and dignity on the right time.
The Prime Minister offered help to Afghanistan in its infrastructure development.
Sharif said that he has a vision of comprehensive and enduring partnership with Afghanistan that contributes to the security and prosperity of our two nations and reinforces efforts for peace and development in the region.
Recalling President Ashraf Ghani’s visit to Pakistan in December last year, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s focus is on enhancement in mutual trust that paves way for deeper engagement in diverse areas of cooperation including security and counter-terrorism, peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan and trade and economic development to the benefit of both the countries.
The Speaker said that Pakistan was the only nation which supported Afghanistan against external aggression in 1979.
“We appreciate and applaud the role of Pakistani nation for hosting Afghan migrants for 30 years despite difficulties. They have hosted their Afghan brothers in an affectionate and caring manner,” he said.
“Pakistan is second home for its Afghan brothers and we must remain steadfast friends in every situation,” he said. The Speaker said that friends of Afghanistan are friends of Pakistan and enemies of Afghanistan are enemies of Pakistan.
PTI